Marian Catholic Bid Falls Just Short in Class 3A Girls Volleyball State Semifinals

Nine ties, but only a single lead change.

Chicago Heights Marian Catholic was chasing Woodstock Marian from start to finish in the third set of a semifinal match in the Class 3A girls state volleyball tournament Friday at Rebird Arena in Normal.

In the end, Marian Catholic fell just short of earning its first trip to a volleyball state championship match. The Spartans dropped a 20-25, 25-18, 25-23 thriller to Woodstock Marian depsite the play of their two Wunderkinds.

Sophomore outside hitter Amber Clay racked up a match-high 18 kills for Marian Catholic (24-17), including one that pulled the Spartans within 24-23 in the third game. But Tara Blake's closing kill enabled Woodstock Marian to hang on despite the fact the Hurricanes frittered away almost all of their 18-12 lead.

Freshman middle hitter Kelsey Clark added 10 kills for Marian Catholic and finished with a .421 attack percentage. Colleen Rynne posted a match-high 36 set assists. Nicole Mano had 22 digs. Jessica Brzozowski chipped in 10 digs. Rosalind Byrd finished with eight digs and five kills.

Woodstock Marian picked up 10 kills each from Blake, Abby Gilleland and Emma Hussey. Gilleland also had 25 set assists as the Hurricanes (35-6) advanced into the Class 3A state title match.

Woodstock Marian will face Breese Mater Dei at approximately 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Breese Mater Dei defeated Wheaton St. Francis 25-19, 25-11.

Marian Catholic will face Wheaton St. Francis in the third-place match at 4 p.m. Saturday. The Spartans already are assured of winning their first state tourney trophy in IHSA girls volleyball in first-year coach Ryan Summers' first season on the Marian bench.